Architecture-Building & Construction

A Client's Guide to Engaging an Architect

A Client's Guide to Engaging an Architect cover Purchase guide from RIBA Bookshops
A new edition of the RIBA's "A Client's Guide to Engaging an Architect" was published in April 2004. It is different from previous guides in many ways � in particular the introduction makes clear that there are no 'standard' or 'recommended' fee scales and that the fee is dependent on the specific requirements of the project and the client.

The guide starts with an explanation of the need for a written form of appointment between the client and their architect, preferably a Standard Form of Agreement (SFA). It explains the main purpose and content of the appointment document including defining the extent and type of services to be provided, copyright, fees, dispute resolution, determination of the agreement and what is required of both client and architect.

The section on fees sets out a range of options...


for fee calculation including percentage of construction cost, lump sums, time charges and the new 'value-added' concept of fees. It highlights the fact that fees are a matter of calculation and negotiation based on the services to be provided, the procurement method, the programme and the cost, type and complexity of the project.

The client is given guidance on the range of average fees for new work, based on a recent independent survey of architects� fees (Mirza & Nacey Research: Architects Fees 2004). Again it is made clear that the actual fee may vary from this graph due to the specific requirements of the project. For example, fees for work to existing buildings (refurbishment and extensions) are likely to be between 40% and 60% greater than the fees for new-build work shown on the graph. There is no longer any guidance on indicative hourly rates as the survey data proved the wide variation in hourly rates between different sizes, types and locations of practices, as well as between different sizes, types and locations of projects.

The RIBA Practice Department is working on an architect�s guide to calculating and negotiating fees which will be published in early 2007. This will encourage architects to properly calculate their fees based on the resources required to carry out the agreed services, and to take account of the degree of risk involved. The old method of relying on recommended fee scales is not appropriate for the more varied and complex world that architects now have to operate in, and it is clear that the old methods did not necessarily result in a fair price for the client - or good remuneration for the architect.

"A Client�s Guide to Engaging an Architect" RIBA Bookshops on 020 7256 7222.

posted by Ronald @ 10:25 PM